CN114929638A

CN114929638A - Device for treating containers with possibility of maintenance during continuous operation

Info

Publication number: CN114929638A
Application number: CN202080068982.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: E·汉德舒; 托比亚斯·赖特; 克劳斯·沃斯
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2019-09-30
Filing date: 2020-09-09
Publication date: 2022-08-19
Also published as: WO2021063644A1; EP4038034A1; DE102019126290A1

Abstract

The invention provides a device (1) for handling containers (10), comprising: a main transport device (2) suitable and determined for continuously transporting the containers (10) along a predetermined main transport path (P); at least two handling devices (4a,4b) which are suitable and intended for handling the containers (10) in a predetermined manner, wherein the handling devices (4a,4b) each have a handling transport device (42) which transports the containers (10), and wherein the containers (10) can be transferred from the transport device (2) to one of the handling devices (4a,4b,4c) for the purpose of handling by the handling devices (4a,4b), and the containers (10) can be transferred again to the transport device, in particular after the handling of the containers by the handling devices (4a,4 b). According to the invention, at least one of the processing devices (4a,4b) can be switched from an operating state, in which the processing device (4a,4b) processes the containers in the predetermined manner, into an idle state, in which the processing of the containers (10) by the processing device (4a,4b) is not carried out, wherein during the idle state of the processing device the transport operation of the transport device (2) and the operating operation of at least one further processing device can be continued.

Description

Device for treating containers with possibility of maintenance during continuous operation

Description

The invention relates to a device for handling containers. The apparatus is described with reference to a coating apparatus for coating plastic containers. However, it is to be noted that the invention is also suitable for other processing facilities, such as printing devices for printing containers or filling devices for filling containers.

Machines for coating PET containers are known in the prior art. Among other things, such machines usually have a rotary machine with associated infeed and outfeed star wheels, which feed the containers into the rotary machine and from there again.

In such machines, the actual functional module, i.e. the carrier wheel with the coating station for example, rotates during production and therefore maintenance cannot be performed.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a device and a method which make it possible to maintain the device even in continuous operation, in particular in production operation. According to the invention, this is achieved by means of a device and a method according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

The device according to the invention for handling containers has a main transport device which is suitable and intended for the continuous transport of containers along a predetermined main transport path. Further, the device has two handling devices which are suitable and defined for handling the containers in a predetermined manner, wherein the handling devices each have a handling transport device which transports the containers, and wherein the containers can be transferred from the transport device to one of the handling devices for the purpose of handling by the handling device, and the containers can be transferred again to the transport device, in particular after handling of the containers by the handling device.

According to the invention, at least one of the processing devices can be switched from an operating state, in which the processing device processes the containers in a predetermined manner, into an idle state, in which the processing of the containers by the processing device is not carried out, wherein during the idle state of the processing device the transport operation of the main transport device and the operating operation of the at least one further processing device can be continued.

The invention therefore proposes to create a possibility which makes it possible to switch off individual stations or processing devices in continuous operation. This is ensured in that each individual processing device has its own transport device in addition to the main transport device. In this way, it is possible, for example, to prohibit the transfer of containers from the main conveyor to the processing conveyor, so that the processing conveyor can be closed in a further step.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the handling device has a movable and in particular rotatable carrier at which the fixing assemblies are arranged, which transport the containers and in particular along a circular transport path.

In a further preferred embodiment, during the working operation of at least one treatment device, it is possible to replace parts in other treatment devices. In terms of method, maintenance can thus be performed, for example, during working operations

In a further preferred embodiment, both processing means perform substantially the same processing. The two treatment devices can thus be, for example, coating devices for coating containers.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has at least one turning device which turns over the container to be treated, and in particular so that the mouth of the container has at least temporarily another orientation. Preferably, the turning device turns the container with respect to an axis perpendicular to the geometrical longitudinal direction of the container. Preferably, the inverting means inverts the container by 180 °

Thus, for example, the container may be fed in an upright state in which the mouth portion projects upwardly, and rotated by the inverting means to a state in which the mouth portion projects downwardly. Preferably, the treatment of the container by the treatment device takes place in a state in which the mouth of the container is oriented downwards. Wherein "downwardly" is understood to mean that the mouth of the container is more proximal than the bottom of the container.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the turning device has a circulating transport device, such as a transport chain and/or a long stator (which is in particular a component of a linear motor drive). Preferably, the turning device has at least in sections a straight transport section, or the containers are transported in a straight line. In general, the main conveyor preferably has conveying sections with different curvatures, such as two straight sections, which are connected to one another by a respective turning section.

The transport chain and/or the long stator can be embodied in such a way that the transport plane of the containers formed by the tilting device is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. The transport path produced by the turning device may thus have two straight sections which are arranged overlapping in the vertical direction and which are connected to one another by two deflection areas.

Preferably, two inverting devices may also be provided, wherein a first inverting device inverts the container, i.e. so that the mouth of the container is oriented downwards, and a second inverting device, which is arranged in particular after the handling device, which orients the mouth upwards again.

In a further preferred method, the main transport device transports the containers in a single row or in rows. However, it is also possible to provide sections in which the transport path of the containers is divided. In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device transports the containers separately. For this purpose, the main transport device can have a plurality of fastening assemblies for fastening the containers.

These containers are in particular plastic containers and in particular plastic bottles.

In a further preferred embodiment, the handling and transport device is suitable and intended for transporting the containers in a clocked manner and/or for transporting the containers in such a way that they can be handled during standstill. This means that the containers are not transported continuously by the handling transport device, but rather in a clocked manner, so that they come to a standstill at certain positions. Preferably, the treatment of the container can be carried out during the rest of the container (with respect to the transport direction), such as coating the inner walls of the container.

Preferably, the main transport means continuously transports the containers. This means that the containers are preferably guided to the treatment device in a continuous flow or in a continuous movement.

Thus, it is possible, for example, to take a specific number of containers out of the transport stream of the main transport device by a specific handling device and then to handle these containers, in particular in an upright state, in order then in a further step to transfer them again to the main transport device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has at least two treatment devices, which particularly preferably each have at least two treatment devices or treatment stations.

Preferably, however, the processing device has several such processing stations.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment devices each have at least one and preferably several fixedly arranged treatment stations which are suitable and defined for treating the containers in a predetermined manner. A fixedly arranged treatment station is understood to mean, in particular, that the station itself or the main components of the station do not move with the containers and, in particular, are not transported in the transport direction of the containers, but are arranged fixedly.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment device has at least three, preferably at least four, preferably at least five treatment stations. It is particularly preferred that these treatment devices have a maximum of 20, preferably a maximum of 18, preferably a maximum of 16 and preferably a maximum of 14 treatment stations. In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment device is selected from the group of treatment devices comprising a coating device for coating the walls of the container and a printing device for printing the container or a sterilizing device for sterilizing the container.

If the treatment devices are coating devices, these treatment devices preferably have a feed section which can feed the substances into the treatment assembly.

Further, the invention relates to a plant for processing containers, having a device of the type described above and further processing devices arranged before the device in the transport direction of the containers for processing plastic containers, wherein the further processing devices are preferably devices for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers. In particular, this other device is a stretch blow molding machine. The stretch blow molding machine may then have individual molding stations, which each serve to mold plastic preforms into plastic containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a clean room in which the containers are guided at least in sections. The coating process can be carried out in this clean room, for example, or a shaping process such as a stretch blow molding process, which is arranged upstream, can also be carried out in this clean room. A clean room is understood to be a room inside which sterile processing containers are possible. Wherein this clean room is particularly separated from the non-sterile environment. Wherein the clean room may have walls which are movable with respect to each other on both sides, which walls bound the clean room, and which walls may preferably be sealed with respect to each other by means of sealing means. Further, a pressure device may also be provided, which supplies the clean room with an overpressure. Further, it is possible and preferred that the clean room surrounds the transport path of the containers in the manner of a tunnel

In a further preferred embodiment, the installation has a gap-generating device which is suitable and defined for generating a gap in the transport stream of the containers fed into the main transport device. A gap is understood to be at least one vacancy in the transport stream. However, in particular, a sequence of gaps is created.

Preferably, the number of empty spaces produced in the transport stream corresponds to the number of stations of the treatment device, in particular before the treatment device is switched off. In this way, the treatment device can be operated without load. Wherein the gap generating device can be implemented in different ways. Thus, for example, a locking finger can be provided which is arranged slightly in front of the heating device for heating the plastic preforms and which produces the described gap. Furthermore, it is also possible to discharge the heated plastic preforms before the main conveyor (i.e. in particular also before the forming device) or to discharge the already produced containers.

The gap can also consist of only one free bit which, although present at the processing device, is only present in the defective processing station. I.e. station No. 1 has a defect in the 4 processing stations for coating, a gap is created which appears at station No. 1, while the other stations No. 2,3, 4 continue coating or in general processing. Thus, if cleaning is to be performed after 10 minutes, for example, a production shift can still be run.

In principle, it is advantageous that no gaps should be operated and, if gaps are operated, gaps should be produced such that a low reject Rate (raster Rate) is maintained. Most suitable here is the LLM variant of the flipping means 24. Here, the index can be changed immediately and a gap is created for the relevant processing station. This is particularly advantageous in the case of small gaps, i.e. possibly one, preferably exactly one gap, which occurs at a defective processing station. Larger gaps (two or several containers) without increasing the reject rate will become feasible, in particular by reduced blowing power, in particular in combination with an indexing delay, for example by an indexing delay star wheel.

In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a distribution device which distributes the containers and/or plastic preforms transported upstream of the treatment device to a specific treatment device. Thus, the dispensing device can for example determine for a particular container manufactured by the forming device on which processing device the container is present in further transport. In this way, those containers can be ejected in a targeted manner, which in further operation will appear on the processing device which is in maintenance mode.

Furthermore, it is also conceivable that a production shift should also be completed or run completely, for example. Thus, all stations of the processing device can be used, except for the defective station. In this way, the treatment and in particular the coating can be carried out with a reduced output

However, it is also preferred that ejection of the container is not required. Among other things, it must be considered that such ejected containers are generally not reusable. Thus, a further machine, for example a blow molding machine, is preferably controlled, which temporarily reduces its power, for example.

Alternatively, however, a corresponding gap may be created if a long stator linear motor arrangement is used as the transport device or the turning device. Such long stator linear motor arrangements advantageously also allow for small gaps to be created.

In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device supplies several processing devices, and preferably all processing devices of the device with containers.

Further, the invention relates to a method for processing containers, wherein a main transport device is provided which transports the containers continuously along a predetermined main transport path, and wherein further at least two processing devices process the containers in a predetermined manner, wherein the processing devices each have a processing transport device which transports the containers, and wherein the containers are transferred from the transport device to one of the processing devices for the purpose of processing by the processing device, and the containers are transferred to the transport device again, in particular after processing of the containers by the processing device.

According to the invention, at least one of the processing devices is switched from an operating state, in which the processing device processes the containers in a predetermined manner, into an idle state, in which no processing of the containers by the processing device is carried out, wherein gaps are at least temporarily created in the container flow of the containers to be reached or transported by the main transport device (and/or upstream of the main transport device (2) and/or during transport with the main transport device (2) in the container flow of the transported containers).

Preferably, this gap generation is performed by a gap generation device arranged upstream in the transport direction of the containers with respect to the main transport device.

When a gap is created, it is preferable to try to keep the rejection rate low. Thus, for example, the operating speed of other devices, such as blow molding machines, can be throttled and an indexing delay system can then be used which transfers the containers in such a way that gaps are produced therein. Gaps can be created in LLM systems. Wherein this is preferably only a small gap, i.e. only one container, perhaps even two. Advantageously, changes in indexing, acceleration of movers, etc. can be made therein.

With the method described here, it is also possible to disable the coating module during production, in order to perform maintenance on it in particular. If, for example, the coating device has four cavities or four treatment stations, corresponding gaps of four containers in succession with one another can already be produced in the drawing machine.

For this purpose, it is possible, for example, to remove the warm plastic preforms from the transport stream after the heating device, which can be carried out, for example, by means of a so-called pusher. However, it is also possible to export four containers out of the transport stream or also to export four containers before reaching the main transport device, respectively in the present example.

In all the mentioned variants, gaps can be created in the container flow. If the gap reaches the corresponding station, no container is received there. In further processing devices, such as filling devices, the corresponding gap can be processed by, for example, not opening the filling valve.

Further, it is also possible to provide a certain number of processing devices and additionally to provide redundant or backup stations if production power is to be maintained. Thus, for example, four by five coating stations can be designed and the other coating devices 6 can be stand-by stations. If, for example, the processing device is to be serviced, said standby station or standby device can be used for this purpose.

It is therefore proposed that a container gap is created upstream of the main conveying device, so that the corresponding treatment device, for example a coating station, does not have to receive containers from the conveying chain or the main conveying device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the main transport device is preferably a transport device which transports the containers at least in sections on a path which deviates from a circular curvature. In particular, such a transport path may have sections with different curvatures, and in particular also transport sections which run substantially straight.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device can be a transport chain, which is guided around in an oval manner, for example. However, it is also possible for the transport device to be a linear motor transport device, which in particular has a long stator.

Further, it is also possible that the above-mentioned gap is also created in the container flow by the transport device itself. Thus, for example, it is possible to generate a gap, in particular on the reversal path, by means of a transport device (which is embodied as a long stator or as a linear motor). It is also possible to eliminate or fill such gaps on further overturned sections, in particular after the respective processing device.

It is possible to export containers at several locations. Thus, the ejection or removal can take place, for example, before the oven or heating device, after the blow molding machine, in the turning device and in the main transport device.

In a further preferred embodiment, the treatment device is embodied as a coating module and has one or several standby stations. In a further preferred method, the handling and transport device transports the containers in a clocked manner.

In a further preferred method, the treatment device coats the surface of the container and in particular the inner surface of the container.

Further advantages and embodiments derive from the attached drawings:

wherein the content of the first and second substances,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to the invention;

fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the device shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a plant 50 for treating containers according to the invention. In which first a heating device 54 is provided, which is intended for heating the plastic preforms. Connected to this heating device 54 is a forming device 52 which is intended for forming plastic preforms into plastic containers. Via the transport section, the now finished containers are transferred to a main transport device 2, which can be embodied here as a circulating chain, for example.

At which a plurality of

handling devices

4a,4b and 4c are arranged. These processing devices may each perform the same process, such as a coating process, on the containers. Advantageously, each processing station has a vacuum chamber. Preferably, the device also has at least one vacuum pump.

Advantageously, the handling device has an elongated rod-like component, in particular a lance. Preferably, the assembly has an opening. Preferably, a flowable medium can be introduced into the container through these openings. Preferably, such a flowable medium is a gas suitable for use in a plasma process. Advantageously, such a gas may be a mixture of a silicon-containing precursor and oxygen, in particular for PECVD with silicon oxide (plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition). However, other gases are also conceivable, such as acetylene for depositing a so-called DLC layer. For plasma sterilization, for example, argon and water vapor may be introduced into the container.

Reference numeral 62 denotes further transport sections and reference numeral 56 denotes further processing units, for example filling devices for containers. If the

individual handling devices

4a,4b or 4c are now to be closed, the plastic preforms can be locked in their transport. Thus, for example, it is possible to provide a locking device 32, such as a preform lock, which can block the passage of the plastic preforms to the feed of the heating device a predetermined number of times. In this way, gaps are produced in the transport stream of the plastic preforms and then also in the transport stream of the containers.

However, it is also possible to remove the plastic preforms after the heating device by means of a removal device 34. It is also possible to remove the containers produced by the forming device 52 by means of the removal device 36. Furthermore, a removal by means of the removal device 38 in the region of the tilting device or by means of the removal device 39 in the region of the main conveyor 42 is also possible.

Reference numeral 10 schematically indicates a container which is transported through the installation 1. Reference P indicates the part of the transport path along which the containers are transported.

Fig. 2 shows a detailed view of the device 1 for handling containers. It is seen that there are in turn

several processing devices

4a,4b,4c provided here. Each of these treatment devices has a treatment transport device 42 and a plurality of treatment stations 44, which are each arranged here stationary, i.e. not moving along.

Reference numeral 22 denotes a feed star.

Reference numeral 24 designates a turning device intended for turning over containers. Here, for example, vertically standing transport chains can be used, at which gripping assemblies for gripping containers are arranged in each case. At the transfer point P3, the inverted container, i.e. the container lying mouth down, is transferred to the main transport device 2 and from there further to the

individual processing devices

4a,4b and 4 c.

It is also possible to carry out the removal of the containers in the region of the device 1. Thus, the container can be discharged, for example, at the turning device 24. Furthermore, in each case the containers can also be discharged (slightly) before the respective processing device.

It is preferable to lead out the containers as early as possible, since in this way the rejection rate can be reduced.

If one of the processing devices is to be serviced, a gap can be created on the one hand, so that a gap in the transport stream appears on the respective processing device. Further, the transfer assembly may be shut down, thereby allowing the associated processing device to be shut down as a whole.

In this way, continuous operation and in particular operation of the main transport device 2 can be continued, and at the same time

individual treatment devices

4a,4b,4c can each be serviced.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as being essential to the invention, as long as these features, individually or in combination, are new compared with the prior art. Further, it is noted that features which may be advantageous per se are also described in the individual figures. It will be directly apparent to those skilled in the art that certain features depicted in the drawings may be advantageous even if other features in the drawings are not employed. In addition, the skilled person will see that advantages can also be derived by combining several features shown in a single figure or in different figures.

List of reference numerals

2 Main transport device

4a,4b,4c processing device

10 Container

22 feed star wheel

24 turning device

32 prefabricated part lock

34. 36, 38, 39 lead-out device

42 handling and transporting device

44 treatment station

50 facilities

52

54 heating device

56 other processing units

X

P main transport route

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for processing containers (10), the apparatus having: a main transport device (2) suitable and determined for continuously transporting the containers (10) along a predetermined main transport path (P); at least two handling devices (4a,4b) which are suitable and intended for handling the containers (10) in a predetermined manner, wherein the handling devices (4a,4b) each have a handling transport device (42) which transports the containers (10), and wherein the containers (10) can be transferred from the transport device (2) to one of the handling devices (4a,4b,4c) for the purpose of handling by the handling devices (4a,4b), and the containers (10) can be transferred again to the transport device, in particular after handling of the containers by the handling devices (4a,4b), characterized in that,

at least one of the processing devices (4a,4b) can be switched from an operating state, in which the processing device (4a,4b) processes the containers in the predetermined manner, into an idle state, in which no processing of the containers (10) by the processing device (4a,4b) is performed, wherein during the idle state of the processing device a transport operation of the transport device (2) and a working operation of at least one further processing device can be continued.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the handling transport device (42) is suitable and intended for transporting the containers (10) in a clocked manner and/or for transporting the containers in such a way that the containers are handled during standstill.

3. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the treatment device (4a,4b) has at least two treatment stations (44) which are suitable and defined for treating the containers in the predetermined manner.

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

during said working operation of at least one processing device it is possible to replace parts in other processing devices.

5. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the treatment device has at least one fixedly arranged treatment station which is suitable and defined for treating the containers in the predetermined manner.

6. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the treatment device is selected from the group of treatment devices comprising a coating device for coating the walls of the container, a printing device for printing the container, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the container or a filling device for filling the container and/or a forming device for forming the container.

7. Plant (50) for processing containers, having a device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims and further processing devices (52) arranged before the device (1) in the transport direction of the containers for processing plastic containers, wherein the further processing devices (50) are preferably devices for shaping plastic preforms into plastic containers.

8. The installation according to the preceding claim, wherein,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the installation has gap-generating means (32,34,36) which are suitable and defined for generating a gap in the transport flow of the containers fed into the main transport device (2).

9. A method for handling containers (10), the method having: a main transport device (2) which continuously transports the containers (10) along a predetermined main transport path (P); at least two handling devices (4a,4b) which handle the containers (10) in a predetermined manner, wherein the handling devices (4a,4b) each have a handling transport device (42) which transports the containers, and wherein the containers (10) are transferred from the transport device (2) to one of the handling devices (4a,4b) and are transferred again to the transport device (2), in particular after the handling of the containers by the handling devices (4a,4b), for the purpose of handling by the handling devices (4a,4b), characterized in that,

at least one of the processing devices (4a,4b) can be switched from an operating state, in which the processing device (4a,4b) processes the containers in the predetermined manner, into an idle state, in which no processing of the containers (10) by the processing device (4a,4b) is carried out, wherein gaps are at least temporarily created in the container flow of the transported containers upstream of the main transport device (2) and/or during transport with the main transport device (2).

10. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the treatment transport device (42) transports the containers in a clocked manner and/or in such a way that the containers are treated during standstill.

11. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the treatment device coats the interior surface of the container.